Do you enjoy a good mystery? Perhaps a thrilling book? Or a murder mystery such as those that air on Dateline? It seems historically television really likes mysteries. Remember “Murder She Wrote?” There is certainly a huge difference between a horror film or novel and a suspenseful mystery. How much mystery do you like regarding wine? A blind tasting is a bit of mystery. Sometimes a wine served by a friend or relative can be a mystery as well. (and not always a good one!) What if the mystery involved Sonoma County wineries? Now I’ve got your attention!

You see there is a mystery coming to Sonoma County this summer. Though the destinations are unknown I can assure you it will be a mystery of the most pleasing kind; a mystery you want to participate in! Sonoma’s Wine Road is hosting  Magical Mystery Tours throughout four Sonoma County wine regions. So no matter which mystery you chose it will sure to be a delicious adventure!

Here are the details provided by Wine Road:

Magical Mystery Tours – https://www.wineroad.com/40th/calendar-of-events-2/

Select your Personal Magical Mystery Tour to the Alexander Valley Wineries, Dry Creek Valley Wineries, Russian River Valley Wineries or Urban Wineries. Each tour will be a surprise consisting of five wineries with food & wine at each stop.  The Tours start and end at the Healdsburg City Hall parking lot.  Each tour bus will be hosted by a local personality to entertain you throughout your journey.  Magical Mystery Tours are $100/person with 40 people/tour bus. The tours all take place on Saturday, June 18^th from 9:30am – 5:00pm. A wonderful day of wine, food and fun!

Click here to register.

Last week’s #SonomaChat (every Wednesday 7pm CST) focused on the Magical Mystery Tours and the four wine regions the tour will visit. It was a lively chat and the hour went by quickly. It was no surprise there was much love shared for Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and the Urban wineries. Wine Road blessed me by sending me a media sample of a delicious RRV Pinot Noir. I was thrilled because in my opinion RRV Pinots are some of the best in the US. I will share my notes with you on the wine as well as a brief highlight of the RRV for your consideration on the Magical Mystery Tours.

Fog Crest Vineyard 2012 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley: 100% Pinot Noir; deep ruby in the glass; fruit notes of cherries, plums, and black raspberries were met with earthy notes of spice, savory herbs, white pepper and mushrooms, with a distinctive sweet cola finish; this wine offered layers of flavors with rich texture, lush mouth-feel, round acidity and integrated tannins; a beautiful Pinot Noir. Drinks beautifully now, will only integrate more with proper aging. SRP $55.

The Fog Crest Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir represents the typical outstanding quality of RRV wines. The RRV is known for its production of Chardonnay (41%) and Pinot Noir (29%); however, many varietals thrive there including Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah, etc. The RRV is known for its seasonal fog and tempering effects of the Pacific Ocean resulting in an uncommonly long growing season with ideal growing conditions for cool-climate loving grapes varieties. These nearly ideal growing conditions result in wines of uncommon depth and richness while still maintaining their naturally bright acidity. Another outstanding aspect of the RRV wine producers is explained by the Russian River Valley Winegrowers:

“Our farmers and winemakers work in a manner that is environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable in order to continue our legacy as good stewards of the land and producers of distinctive wines of exceptional quality, authenticity and integrity.”

“The best wines come from the best vineyards…and the best vineyards are very beautiful.” The Russian River Valley encompasses more than 15,000 acres of grapevines, 35 varieties of wine and 110 wineries. While this gives us incredible diversity, there is still a common thread among them all: hand-crafted wines of exceptional quality, richness and bright natural acidity and wineries made up of passionate and dedicated people who love the region we call home.

The RRV is a premier wine growing region and only one of the four included in the Magical Mystery Tours event on June 18 hosted by Sonoma’s Wine Road. If you plan to attend the Magical Mystery Tours or any time you are visiting Sonoma be sure to let the Wine Road be your concierge.

Wine Road: Wine Road is an association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northern Sonoma County. From its modest beginning as an organization of nine wineries, it has grown into a spirited constellation of 197 wineries and 54 lodgings. It’s not actually a “road” in the sense of a single, continuous stretch of paved highway, but more of a treasure map to the many jewels nestled among the hills and valleys of a region where fresh air, fine wine and exquisite cuisine await those who traverse it.” Be sure to check out Wine Road’s web site for all you need to know to plan your next Sonoma Valley wine adventure.

The Magical Mystery Tours are perennially a huge hit in Sonoma so do not delay in booking your spot! Though you have to select one region to explore on the Magical Mystery Tours be sure to explore them all while visiting Sonoma with help from Wine Road. And be sure to visit Fog Crest Vineyards and get yourself a bottle of their 2012 Pinot Noir.

“The Magical Mystery Tour is waiting to take you away!”

My Song Selection: You could have guessed this one!

Get your tickets to the Magical Mystery Tour and a bottle of the Fog Crest RRV 2012 Pinot Noir and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers!